TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat — Authorities arrested a 34-year-old street-level drug suspect in a targeted anti-narcotics operation on May 1, 2026, as part of the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal drugs in Region 12.
Operatives of the Tacurong City Police Station, working in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), carried out a successful buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion that led to the arrest of the suspect, identified only by the alias “Kimpy.”
Police said the suspect, a resident of the same barangay, was caught in the act of selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative. He has been classified as a Street-Level Individual (SLI), a category used by law enforcement to identify low-tier drug personalities involved in distribution.
Seized during the operation were three sachets of suspected shabu with a total weight of 16.75 grams, with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱113,900. Also recovered were assorted personal belongings and the marked ₱1,000 buy-bust money used in the transaction.
The suspect and the confiscated evidence are now under the custody of the Tacurong police for proper documentation and case build-up. Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against him.
Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, commended the operating units for their coordinated and effective action.
“The success of this operation reflects the strong collaboration between our police units and partner agencies. We remain steadfast in our mission to rid our communities of illegal drugs,” Pardiente said.
Authorities reiterated their call for continued public cooperation, emphasizing that community support remains crucial in sustaining the momentum of anti-drug efforts across Sultan Kudarat and the wider SOCCSKSARGEN region.